A similarly aged single friend and I are planning to head to Tel Aviv for the night to introduce me to the club scene (hubby claims to be "too old", so this may be my only chance). I want a good birthday dinner first, not just bar food. Where should we go that we won't feel out of place in club attire, but will be wowed by the food and wine? She eats mostly vegetarian/kosher dairy (not religious, just doesn't care for meat), but I love everything!

"One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating." -Luciano Pavarotti

If you want to be wowed by the food and wine why don't you cook the dinner yourself ? I prepare dinner myself if I want to be wowed because in that way I know exactly what food and wine I'm getting as I've bought it myself. Why rely on a restaurant that may have an off evening ? BTW it's my birthday today and we're not eating out.

First of all, happy birthday. As to clubs in Tel Aviv, be aware that most of the clubs in the city offer food so bad that had they known about it in advance, the ancient Hebrews never would have crossed into their Promised Land.

Now the good news – there are two bars in the city that serve food that is really excellent. Both offer a wide selection of wines, cocktails and other beverages with which to celebrate.

The first of these is Peacock, more a club-bar at which chef Eran Shrotiman (of Orca) is a partner and in charge of the kitchens and the second is the bar area of Raphael at which chef Rafi Cohen holds court. In either case, phone in advance for reservations (if you decide on Raphael, be sure to ask for a table in the bar area)

Peacock Rehov Marmorek 14 Tel Aviv Open from 19:30- Tel: 03 6868259

Raphael Rehov Hayarkon 87 Tel (03) 522-6464. Open from 19:00-

Keep in mind of course that I am somewhat of a fuddy-duddy so my choices may be a bit on the conservative side for you.

Thanks for the recommendations, I'll give my friend a choice between the two. Said birthday is not actually till December; but I just found out I'm going to be alone so I'm preplanning. She wants to include some of her friends to give it more of a "party" feel, so it sounds like we may need the lead time to get a reservation for a group.

I'm kind of a fuddy-duddy myself; I bet either of them will be perfect!

"One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating." -Luciano Pavarotti